No deaths at 2025 Comrades Marathon – association after fake news spreads
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has slammed reports alleging two runners had died at this year's event.
According to Northglen News, in a statement, CMA general manager Alain Dalais said some digital media outlets and accounts had reported the deaths, further alleging the deaths were confirmed by Comrades officials.
'The CMA and its medical team can confirm that no deaths have been recorded at the 2025 event. As can be expected from an event of this nature and size, there were some cases of runners being transferred to hospital from the route, for various medical reasons. The CMA medical, emergency, safety and health protocols are excellent, and focused on the safety of all runners,' he said.
Dalais added that the association distances itself from any fake news or rumours doing the rounds.
'The CMA suggests that our community rely on reputable sources for information, starting with our own channels,' he added.
In 2022, a Hollywoodbets Athletics Club runner, Mzamo Mthembu, collapsed on the Comrades Marathon route near Pinetown and died after being taken to hospital.
Also read: Comrades runner reported missing found near Durban harbour in serious condition
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Comrades, 1974 was my second race ever in my life. The Laingsburg Karoo Marathon was my third race in my life. 'After that, well, after that, then it just started exploding. I started participating in many more local races.' The only years he didn't compete were in 2020 and 2021, when there was no race due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He also missed out in 2022 when he did not make it to the start line due to a knee injury. He explained that the injury, a meniscus tear in his knee, was a very tough experience, but that ultimately it was the right decision to skip the race that year, as it has allowed him to keep going thereafter. Massyn said that he has already received a congratulatory message from the orthopaedic surgeon who did his operation in 2022. Massyn, left, said that he was very grateful for Rhyno Smith, (right) and Hernus Stols, his teammates from Outeniqua Harriers Multisport Club. Image: Supplied A cake to celebrate Louis Massyn's 50th Comrades Marathon. Image: Supplied He explained that his journey started with an Anglican Church sermon in Odendaalsrus when the Bishop of Bloemfontein used the Comrades Marathon as a metaphor. 'And there I sat in the congregation, and I said to myself, the next Comrades, you're going to run. All I knew was that I had to run from 'Maritzburg down to Durban, and I needed to do it on my feet. I wasn't going to drive there, and that's where it all started,' Massyn said. The road runner reflected that he has done each of the six majors - New York, Berlin, Boston, London, Chicago, and Tokyo - and that each one has been a different experience. 'That's actually where I have built relationships across the world. All six of them are really, really special, and while it's not one of the majors, the Rio Marathon is absolutely wonderful. 'The Brazilians invited me to come and run the Rio Marathon, and I spent 13 days in Rio, where they really spoiled me day after day. It was absolutely a spoiled time,' Massyn said. 'Over the years, there have been absolutely golden memories, but Sunday was actually the cherry on the top.' Louis Massyn said that his 50th Comrades marathon was a tough one. Image: Supplied Massyn shared that what has kept him coming back to participate in the Comrades Marathon so many times is its uniqueness. 'The name Comrades is unique, and I think it's the most unique name for a marathon to be called the Comrades Marathon... The comradeship of the marathon, and the comradeship that I experienced on Sunday. I really cannot describe it. I'm only starting to realise what actually happened on Sunday.' Massyn said that he was very grateful for Rhyno Smith and Hernus Stols, his teammates from Outeniqua Harriers Multisport Club, and Erich Cornelissen from Bethlehem Marathon Klub, who supported him throughout the race on Sunday. 'They really helped me. I wasn't carrying even a tablet on myself. No energy drinks. They carried everything for me. Asked me how I was doing. 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The South African
9 hours ago
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There has been some widespread criticism of the chaotic, crowded and poorly controlled finish at the People's Park at the conclusion of Sunday's Comrades marathon. Understandably, there was also widespread concern over the wellbeing of runner Moira Harding, who went missing after the event and is being treated in hospital after eventually being found unresponsive on Monday morning. There have also been some rumours and reports of fatalities during the race, but these have been emphatically dismissed by the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) in a statement released this week. 'It has been brought to the attention of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) that some digital media outlets or accounts are reporting two deaths during the 2025 edition of the race, which took place this past weekend (Sunday 8 June),' the statement read. 'The CMA and its medical team can confirm that no deaths have been recorded at the 2025 event.' CMA General Manager Alain Dalais warned against taking 'fake news' as fact. 'As can be expected from an event of this nature and size, there were some cases of runners being transferred to hospital from the route, for various medical reasons. The CMA medical, emergency, safety and health protocols are excellent, and focused on the safety of all runners. 'The CMA distances itself from any fake news or rumours doing the rounds, and suggests that our community rely on reputable sources for information – starting with our own channels,' he adds. Meanwhile, the latest update on the condition of Harding suggests she is still being treated in hospital for dehydration and hypothermia, and remains under sedation in order to allow her the best chance of a quick recovery. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
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